Slippers are the Christmas gift that could save the elderly from falls, say Suffolk’s doctors.

A more sensible pair of slippers than Cindarella's glass ones could save an elderly person from a serious fall (142485-281) PPP-140309-215722003

Published:13:39Tuesday 15 December 2015

Slippers may sound like a boring Christmas present but doctors say they could save an elderly person from a fall.

GPs in Suffolk are encouraging people to buy an elderly friend or family member a decent pair of non-slip soled slippers to ensure their safety.

Dr Christopher Browning, a GP in Long Melford and chairman of NHS West Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group said: “A fall can result in broken hips or bones and even early death. In addition to the pain and distress a fall can cause it can take away someone’s self-confidence, leaving them afraid to go out and socially isolated.

“Christmas is the ideal opportunity to reduce the chances of an older person having a fall by giving them a good quality pair of slippers.

“The safest slippers are those with good quality non-slip rubber soles, are enclosed and have a fastener.”

Dr Mark Shenton, a GP in Stowmarket and chairman of NHS Ipswich and East Suffolk Clinical Commissioning Group said: “I cannot stress too highly how important it is to have safe footwear around the house. Every year I hear from patients who have had a fall, or from a close relative, telling us about the great difficulties that a fall has caused. Safe new slippers could help prevent a sorry time for you or your family.”